The All Middle Belt Youth Forum (AMBYF) has rejected recent calls for the removal of Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, describing the demand as “hasty, misguided, and potentially divisive.”, Peak Newspaper reports.
The youth group was reacting to a statement by Abdul Dan Bature, President of the Arewa Youth group, who had publicly agitated for the removal of the defence minister.
In a press statement signed by its National Leader, Comrade Aluh Moses Odeh, and National Secretary, Comrade Aliyu Muhammed Tiga Wamba also made available to Peak Newspaper, the forum said the call for the minister’s removal could distract the country at a time when unity is needed to tackle Nigeria’s complex security challenges.
AMBYF noted that Nigeria remains a secular and constitutional state where appointments to public offices should be based on competence and national interest rather than religious or regional considerations.
According to the forum, the current security leadership structure is designed to address evolving threats such as insurgency, terrorism, and banditry, adding that General Musa, a former Chief of Defence Staff, possesses the operational experience and strategic understanding required to navigate the nation’s security environment.
The group stressed that Nigeria’s security challenges developed over several years and cannot be resolved instantly by a single official.
“The security issues confronting Nigeria today are the result of long-standing asymmetric threats, transnational terrorist networks, and entrenched criminal structures across vast territories. Expecting immediate solutions from any single official is unrealistic,” the statement said.
AMBYF also highlighted the impact of insecurity on the Middle Belt region, noting that communities in the area have suffered prolonged attacks from terrorists and bandits.
The forum called on the Federal Government under Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize the modernization of the armed forces through advanced weapon systems, improved intelligence and surveillance technology, and strengthened air power to effectively combat insurgents and criminal groups.
It warned that calls for sudden removal of security officials could undermine military morale and disrupt ongoing reforms in the defence sector.
The group further urged Abdul Dan Bature and other advocates of the campaign to exercise restraint in the interest of national unity and stability.
“The Middle Belt remains committed to supporting any national effort aimed at restoring security, protecting lives, and preserving the unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement added.
AMBYF reiterated its support for the current professional security leadership and called for patience to allow ongoing security reforms to produce measurable results.
